One of the things which are most notable by non-believers is the joy of the believers – the joy of being closely to God and certain that He is close to us. This joy can be expressed in a countless number of ways. One of them is by giving thanks to God for everything He has done, is doing, and will do for us. Apostle Paul is one of the examples in the Bible from which we learn (1) how important it is to be thankful and (2) how this affects our life, faith, as well as our relationships with others around us. Let’s have a brief look at several passages from Paul’s writings and try to apply what we’ll learn from there – both in our everyday living and especially in our prayers.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…
– Philippians 1:3-5
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 4:4-7
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
– Colossians 3:15-17 read more
Every person prays differently and many follow the so called models for prayer. Today, the one searching will surely find many such models. One, however, is the most well known and most often used – Jesus’ prayer from Matthew 6:9-13. Without a doubt this model offers a lot of important information concerning the content of our prayers. From all verses let us focus our attention to verse 10 and more specifically to the phrase “your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
In this lesson on prayer which Jesus gives his disciples, as well as to us today, the leading place of the prayer for God’s will (notice – without conditions on it – the prayer is for God’s will as it is and whatever it might be) reflects its importance. Jesus is teaching us to pray for God’s will before we pray for our daily or long-term needs. Thus, as we begin our prayers with an honest request for the fulfillment of God’s will, God’s Spirit who leads us in prayer will keep us away from the trap of our own wishes and desires.
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“My King” by Dr. S.M. Lockridge
My King was born King.
The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King.
He’s the King of the Jews – that’s a racial King.
He’s the King of Israel – that’s a National King.
He’s the King of righteousness.
He’s the King of the ages.
He’s the King of Heaven.
He’s the King of glory.
He’s the King of kings
and He is the Lord of lords. read more